Transforming your hair from a solid blonde to a captivating blend of dark roots and blonde highlights is a bold and beautiful choice. This technique, often referred to as "money piece" or "ombrรฉ," creates dimension and depth, making your hair look healthier and more voluminous. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this look at home or with the help of a professional stylist.
Before you start, it's crucial to consider your skin tone and eye color. Dark roots with blonde highlights look stunning on those with cool or neutral skin tones and light eyes. However, if you have warm skin tones and dark eyes, you might want to opt for a more subtle contrast or consider a different highlighting technique.
Preparation and Tools
To ensure a successful transformation, gather the right tools and products:
- Hair dye for dark roots (ensure it matches your natural hair color)
- Blonde hair dye (choose a shade 2-3 levels lighter than your current blonde)
- Developer (20 or 30 volume, depending on your hair's condition and desired lift)
- Gloves
- Old towel or shirt to protect your clothes
- Hair clips or combs
- Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
- Toner (optional, to neutralize brassiness)
Sectioning Your Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, part your hair from ear to ear, creating two sections. Clip the top section away, ensuring it's secure and won't drop into the dye.
Next, create four equal sections at the back of your head, clipping each one away. You should now have five sections in total - the top and four at the back.
Applying the Dark Root Dye
Starting at the nape of your neck, apply the dark root dye to the bottom section, working your way up to the roots. Use a brush or the tip of the applicator bottle to ensure even coverage. Be careful not to overlap onto the blonde sections.
Once you've applied the dye to all four back sections, unclip the top section and apply the dye to your roots, working from the back to the front. Use a mirror to ensure you don't miss any spots. Follow the instructions on the dye box for processing time, usually around 30-45 minutes.
Highlighting Your Blonde Sections
After the dark root dye has processed, rinse it out thoroughly. Now it's time to apply the blonde dye to your highlights.
Unclip all sections and brush your hair to remove any tangles. Starting at the front, take a small section of hair and apply the blonde dye, working your way down to the ends. Ensure you leave the roots dark, as this is where your dark roots will be most visible.
Teasing for Natural-Looking Highlights
For a more natural, sun-kissed look, try teasing your hair before applying the blonde dye. Starting about an inch away from your roots, backcomb your hair gently to create texture. Apply the dye to the teased sections, ensuring it's evenly distributed. This technique helps create natural-looking, face-framing highlights.
Continue applying the blonde dye to the rest of your hair, working in small sections. Once you've applied the dye to all sections, follow the instructions on the box for processing time, usually around 30-45 minutes.
Rinsing and Toning
After the blonde dye has processed, rinse it out thoroughly. Shampoo your hair gently, ensuring all dye is removed. If your hair has a brassy or orange tone, consider using a toner to neutralize it. Follow the instructions on the toner box, usually leaving it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Condition your hair thoroughly to replenish moisture and help maintain the health of your hair. Rinse out the conditioner and towel-dry your hair gently.
As your hair dries, you'll begin to see the stunning transformation from solid blonde to dark roots with blonde highlights. Embrace your new look and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way. Regular trims and touch-ups every 6-8 weeks will help maintain your beautiful, dimensional hair.